Information Regarding Price Gouging and Rent Increases

Please be advised, the City has begun to receive complaints and concerns regarding price gouging, specifically rental rate gouging, since the ongoing natural disasters began Tuesday within the region. The Governor’s January 7, 2025 Emergency Declaration makes it unlawful for any seller to increase the cost of essential consumer goods or services (more than 10%) during an emergency or disaster pursuant to Penal Code section 396. This includes any property owner/agent who unlawfully raises rents more than 10% above prices advertised before the declaration. Any violation of Penal Code section 396 is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in county jail for a period not exceeding one year, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both fine and imprisonment.

Any such excessive increases are illegal and should be reported to the Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, or the Burbank Police Department. Any such reports to the Burbank Police Department should be made in person. The City Attorney’s Office is prepared to fully prosecute any such crimes and hold violators accountable.

Should you believe price gouging is occurring, please retain receipts, invoices, and/or any other records detailing the incident.

For additional information, see FAQ’s at LA County Consumer & Business Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office.